Atlanta Among Best State Capitals In U.S.: New Ranking

ATLANTA, GA — Georgia's capital continues to be one of the most flourishing towns in the U.S., experts say.

Atlanta, home to the historical Fox Theatre and Piedmont Park, jumped two spots to become the third-best state capital in the U.S., according to a WalletHub study released Monday.

The heart of Georgia, Atlanta scored high in all four of WalletHub's categories for an overall 60.17 tally, improving last year's 59.22 outcome.

The ranking breakdown was as follows: 10 in affordability, 14 in economic well-being, 7 in quality of education and health and seven in quality of life.

“A state’s capital city is more than just the seat of its government – it’s also often the center of its economic activity. Some state capitals boast incredible job markets, high average salaries, world-class universities and an abundance of attractions," WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said in the report.

"Unfortunately, others have populations that are struggling financially, failing public education systems and poor public health systems. States should aim to make their capital city a shining example of the best they have to offer.”

Source: WalletHub

According to the report, it is Atlanta's third-highest median household income that contributes to its success of being in the top 10 for best U.S. capitals. After cost of living adjustments, WalletHub said Atlanta's median household income is $85,352.

Atlanta also boasts the third-highest median income growth and eighth-lowest median debt–to–earnings ratio in the nation.

WalletHub said this shows "strong financial stability among residents."

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With new eateries seemingly opening monthly, Atlanta has been awarded with a 4.5-star rating for its availability of affordable restaurants.

Additionally, those who favor health and wellness may want to note Atlanta ranks eighth-lowest in adult obesity rate and second nationwide in fitness center establishments per capita.

Atlanta is also tied for the highest number of attractions per capita.

In the past, Georgia economic officials have touted the state's booming film and TV industry. Across the state, including in Atlanta, multiple locations continue to be appealing to production companies.

Atlanta is also home to multiple top-tier headquarters, adding to Georgia's economy. Delta Air Lines, The Home Depot, The Coca-Cola Company, Carter's and United Parcel Service all have found a home in local communities.

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Most recently, WalletHub named Atlanta the fourth-best town in which to get married. As the spring wedding season approaches in March, brides may want to try one of the best bridal salons in Atlanta.

With a seemingly flourishing sports market, Atlanta houses national sports teams Falcons, Dream, Hawks, Braves and the United.

Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium is gearing up to host eight matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in June.

Making major headlines, the Falcons have recently revamped their staff and have named Kevin Stefanski as their new head coach following the firings of former Head Coach Raheem Morris and General Manager Terry Fontenot.

Former Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan is the team's new president of football.

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Atlanta college sports teams seem to do well, and academics at three Atlanta-based universities have recently been recognized among the best.

While Atlanta did not best Austin, Texas, which claimed the top spot for the second consecutive year on the WalletHub list, Atlanta did outperform other known U.S. towns such as Boston, Massachusetts; Sacramento, California; and Honolulu, Hawaii.

Other Southeast capitals ranked as follows: Raleigh (No. 2, North Carolina), Nashville (No. 12, Tennessee), Tallahassee (No. 30, Florida), Columbia (No. 28, South Carolina), Little Rock (No. 42, Arkansas), Frankfort (No. 42, Kentucky), Montgomery (No. 44, Alabama), Baton Rouge (No. 47, Louisiana) and Jackson (No. 50, Mississippi).

Here are the top 10 best state capitals, per WalletHub:

1. Austin, Texas
2. Raleigh, North Carolina
3. Atlanta, Georgia
4. Madison, Wisconsin
5. Boise, Idaho
6. St. Paul, Minnesota
7. Lincoln, Nebraska
8. Bismarck, North Dakota
9. Denver, Colorado
10. Salt Lake City, Utah
,>

See WalletHub for full methodology.

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